The longsword is a two-handed weapon, used both unarmoured, with both hands on the hilt to capitalise on its reach, and in armour, when it was used more like a spear or small polearm.

We work from the 15th century Liechtenauer tradition, focusing particularly on the so-called Pseudo Peter von Danzing treatise. Liechtenauer’s style of longsword emphasising controlling the initiative of the fight, striking first where possible and reclaiming the initiative where not. It is a commanding weapon, and Liechtenauer emphasises fighting with the strength of the entire body to produce powerful strikes, but it is also used with finesse, to read and respond to subtle changes in pressure in the bind.

Including quarterstaff, spear, poleaxes and halberds, this is a category covering a variety of long weapons.

We primarily work from Joachim Meyer’s 1570 treatise, where the quarterstaff is taught as the basis for all other polearms.

Generally, earlier polearm sources focus on using the weapon in an armoured context, done at a shorter range, and the later material that we work from focuses more on using it a distance, keeping the opponent at bay with flying thrusts.

Many fights in the medieval era were decided up close and personal, with knives and daggers. We cover dagger vs dagger techniques, as well as techniques to use when you are unarmed against a dagger, covering disarms, throws and arm-breaks.

We work mostly from Joachim Meyer’s 1570 treatise, with reference to some of the earlier 15th century treatises.

Note that while some of these techniques could be useful in a modern self-defence context, we do not teach self-defence, something students should go elsewhere for, these techniques are purely for historical interest only.

The buckler was a small shield, easily carried and worn all day. It was used in combination with one handed swords or long knives (referred to as the Messer).

We work primarily from Ligntizer’s 15th century treatise. It is a short treatise, but we can compare this weapon set to other weapons in the Liechtenauer tradition for a greater understanding of how to fight with the sword and buckler. In terms of fighting style. It is used in a very similar way to the German longsword.

The Highland Broadsword is an iconic weapon from Scottish history. A broad blade fitted with a study basket to protect the hand it was used to great effect for over a century by Scotttish soldiers at a time when firearms were the weapon of choice for most.

Working primarily from Thomas Page's 1746 manual, The Use of the Broadsword, this method of fencing is distinct from other forms of the period with its squarer stance and emphasis on circular movements. Good judgement of timing and distance is key to this style, with swiftness often being the determining factor rather than strength. That is not to say that the mass of the broadsword is not brought to bear upon its lighter counterparts, but is only done so when such advantages can be pressed quickly and with determination.

Targes were were heavy, round shields that covered the forearm, while dirks were similarly sized long knives that were common place on highlanders in in 18th century.

Working again from Thomas Page's 1746 manual, as well as anecdotes and passage from many other sources, we look at how these offhand weapons change the fight, making what was previously a distant style of fencing more up close and personal.